Ibrahimovic repeats days of God analogy and adds: “Gerry wants us to spend more but I say no” | OneFootball

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has suggested that AC Milan’s owner Gerry Cardinale would be happy with more spending in the summer window, but he has told him that only what is necessary should be spent.

Emerson Royal was presented to the media this morning at his unveiling press conference after becoming the third signing of the summer yesterday. He joins on a four-year deal from Spurs and will challenge captain Davide Calabria for the right-back spot.

However, that does not mean that the fan base are entirely happy because one of the most important gaps – the defensive midfielder – has not yet arrived, and there has been little movement on the sales front to accommodate potential other pieces like a creative midfielder and a deputy striker.

Ibrahimovic was present alongside the Brazilian full-back to answer questions from journalists about his arrival and also other potential signings, with his comments relayed by MilanNews.

Was there always trust in the deal?

“Before starting I want to welcome Black Panther Emerson Royal, we have been following him for a long time but we brought him in at the right time. [He is a] Physical, offensive and defensive player: he plays with a lot of intensity and a lot of grit.

“With Emerson we become even stronger. He was one of the objectives we set ourselves from the beginning of the transfer market and finally today he is here. This is day five of the seven that God created. We are happy and motivated.”

Gerry Cardinale is in Italy, can we expect some movement?

“Gerry is in town, we had meetings yesterday and today. We talked about various things. Nothing new. Gerry wants us to spend more but I say no, we spend what is necessary to strengthen.”

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What happens with the right flank now, and can you tell us about Kalulu’s situation?

“We need to talk to him and find the best for him. I can’t answer today. We need to understand what’s best for him and for the club. I’m sorry Florenzi got hurt but with Emerson we have an extra reinforcement for the team. Emerson was very keen to come”

Is it reasonable to expect two more signings, given that we are on the fifth day?

“It doesn’t mean that two more players will arrive. To build a world it’s not just who comes in. Then we’ll see. We’re in no hurry, everything is under control, we have our objectives, the strategy we are following to strengthen the team. Always with profiles that we are looking for.”

Will there be other moves in defence?

“What we want to build is a compact team. Offensively we are compact and strong, I don’t see any movement. Defensive part with Emerson, Pavlovic… Then we’ll see, maybe there is room for something extra. We are working on it.”

Is the sixth day for the midfielder?

“It could be. We want to build a team as compact as possible.”

How is the summer going? And what do you think of Duplantis wearing a Milan shirt?

“A lot of work, demanding but it’s a fun job. Day after day I learn many things: when you work with strong people, you become strong. There are many things to do but I like the responsibility.

“Congratulations to Duplantis for the record: I have nothing to do with the shirt, he’s a Milan fan. He’s a great representative of Sweden. When I stopped, someone had to carry on the work, because football died in Sweden after me (smiles).”

Is Emerson better as a defensive or attacking full-back?

“The choice of Emerson was simple. He was the right profile. A balance between attack and defence. If you look at Fonseca and the identity, a profile like Emerson is perfect.

“If I have to choose, in my world I like him more attacking. But the important thing is that he can do both phases. We play to attack, we are not on the pitch to defend the results.”

A thought on Silvio Berlusconi before tonight’s game…

“When we talk about Silvio Berlusconi, he is a person I care a lot about. The first time I came to Milan, he made me happy. I had so much respect for the person. I am sorry that he is no longer with us but he will always remain in our memory.

“Tonight we are playing the Berlusconi Trophy, a tribute to him. I always try to bring and transmit what he taught me: for me he was a great and we are here thanks to him, he was Milan. Everyone has respect and gratitude towards him.”